posted on: Thursday, July 18, 2013

When I saw the nursery Ashley had created on The Stork and the Beanstalk, and the way she started her post with the words, "Nesting is no joke," I knew this was a lady after my own heart.

Ashley curated this wee space for her eldest son Hooper with the belief that, "toys are meant to be played with," paired with an appreciation of thrifty vintage finds.

I asked Ashley what advice she'd give to others wanting to create a similar look. This is what she told me, "If you're interested in creating a similar look, hit up your mom's basement. Ask what she kept. I was so surprised my mom, who is not a pack-rat by any means, had saved so many things from my childhood."

"It's such a rad feeling to watch my boys' play with things I have pictures of myself playing with all the live long days ago. If you come up empty, keep your eyes open at the thrifts."

"You can find just about everything vintage related on Etsy these days as well. I saw this old school A-frame fisher price house once at a flea market and the guy wanted $100 for it. I'm not a toy collector. I don't care if my kids throw my vintage Mickey Mouse wind up toy. I'm a firm believer that toys are meant to be played with, so needless to say, I don't spend a lot on them."

"I didn't buy anything brand new for the nursery... the crib, the dresser, the chair are all from craigslist. I saved on a changing table by buying a cheap changing tray instead and I love it. It's so easy and convenient."

Thank you so much for sharing your space with us Ashley and Hooper! Hooper is also big brother to little Van. You can check out their adventures over on The Stalk and the Beanstalk.